'Bohemian' wreck deposition of pilot, Portland, 1864

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Description

Pilot Benjamin J. Willard gave testimony about the February 22, 1864 when the steamer Bohemian crashed into ledge off Cape Elizabeth and 40 passengers and two crew members were killed.

Authorities in Portland, which was the steamer's destination from Ireland and Liverpool, England, interviewed some crew and passengers to determine whether the captain was at fault and what led to the deaths of the passengers.